DESIGN: Qualitative study utilising semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted in English language.
SETTING: Different healthcare facilities across the UAE. These facilities were accessed for data collection over a period of 3 months from January 2023 to March 2023.
PARTICIPANTS: 14 purposively selected healthcare practitioners.
INTERVENTION: No specific intervention was implemented; this study primarily aimed at gaining insights through interviews.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES: To understand the implications of language barriers on service quality, patient safety, and healthcare providers' well-being.
RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from our analysis of participants' narratives: Feeling left alone, Trying to come closer to their patients and Feeling guilty, scared and dissatisfied.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the perspectives and experiences of participating healthcare professionals, language barriers have notably influenced the delivery of healthcare services, patient safety and the well-being of both patients and practitioners in the UAE. There is a pressing need, as highlighted by these professionals, for the inclusion of professional interpreters and the provision of training to healthcare providers to enhance effective collaboration with these interpreters.
METHODS: We conducted a feasibility study to build a conversation tool, guided by principles of shared decision making, called the "About Me" Care Card. Informed by an environmental scan, we created and pilot-tested prototypes at implementation sites. All phases were overseen by a multidisciplinary steering committee.
RESULTS: Fourteen diverse clinicians consisting of 7 clinician types across 7 institutions piloted the card during in-person visits or by telephone. Observations showed that the card (1) allowed time to elicit what matters most to patients, (2) created space for personalized care conversations, (3) opened an examination of social care needs, and (4) moderated emotional relationships between families and individuals.
CONCLUSION: A community-based codesign process led to a feasible tool for primary care teams to facilitate whole-person conversations with aging adults. The About Me Care Card appeared to broaden conversations compared with routine care. More work is needed to determine scalability and effects on outcomes.